STOCKTON - One of the Stockton Thunder's all-stars found a quick way to get the crowd involved on Tuesday night.

Andy Contois drew a huge cheer when he won the fastest skater challenge early in the ECHL Skills Competition at Stockton Arena, and then took his time after the event to chat with fans and sign autographs. He said he wanted to make sure they were having as good a time as he was.

"This was great fun," Contois said. "Yeah, it's great to win something. But the best thing is to do it in front of this crowd."

Contois' victory was one of the highlights of the skills competition, and the festivities continue today with the 16th annual ECHL All-Star Game at 7 p.m. Tuesday's events featured some of the best players in the league showing off their abilities in a fan-friendly environment, and the fans took advantage of the unique situation.

The glass on both sides of the rink was removed to allow the crowd of 3,370 to interact with the players. Beverly Williams of Stockton was one of many to take advantage of the situation.

She stood in front of her seat near the Stockton Thunder's bench and waited to grab a few autographs. First up was Contois. Then she waited for Ash Goldie of the Victoria Salmon Kings, the star of the shooting accuracy contest, to sign a target she was handed by an official.

"It was great because we got a chance to talk to the players, and this is such a fun event," Williams said. "All these guys have been very nice."

There were six skills competitions, and the National Conference won, 26-25. The final score was not the biggest concern of the evening.

Most people were more interested in seeing the players in action and hoping the three Thunder all-stars - Contois, forward Ryan MacMurchy and defenseman Brad Farynuk - did well.

Contois gave the Thunder supporters what they wanted in the second event. He completed a lap around the rink in 14.39 seconds.

"That was the best moment of the night," said Thunder fan Vince Caprini of Stockiton. "That's what we came to see."

Contois was relieved he didn't fall down.

"I slipped a little at one point, but at least I didn't go down," Contois said.

For pure efficiency, no one could top Goldie in the shooting accuracy contest. Competitors had eight shots to knock out the four targets, and Goldie went 4 for 4 and earned a standing ovation.

"I don't know what happened, I was just trying to hit one," Goldie said. "That was the first time I did that, and the last. How could it go any better?"

Jamie Milam of the Gwinnett Gladiators also would have a tough time besting his performance in the hardest shot event. His slap shot was clocked at 99.3 mph, and no one else reached 95.

Farynuk tried but finished fifth at 91.9. His main accomplishment was getting to Stockton after being sent from Springfield of the American Hockey League late Monday.

He arrived in town at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

"You try to sleep when you can," Farynuk said.

He said he hoped to get a good night's rest so he would be fresh for today's festivities.

"It was awesome all the boys could get out there and show what they could do, and (today) should be just as good," MacMurchy said.